RV battery

[Asia]

My red top Optima is dying after years of service, doesn't hold a charge when it gets down to freezing.  My alternator has recently been replaced and shows 14 volts charge when I'm driving.  I have a new deep cycle RV battery with extra posts that I use in my tent trailer.  Can I use this battery for my YJ?  Is there any downside to using a deep cycle RV battery as a starter battery?  Thanks for the replies.

[FiEND]

the only downside is it is designed for slower discharge so the cranking amps will be lower than the red top.  aside from the sideways mounting and all that jazz that the optima is known for.

i have one (rv battery) in my jeep now as both my red tops are hooped.  one is in the shop for warranty though.  when i get a new one i am probably gonna sell it and get a deep cycle instead and run a single battery instead of two.

i would buy the yellow top that is in the for sale section but I don't know what is gonna happen with mine yet.

anyway here's a cool video for ya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YknNywxuKWs

[Asia]

Interesting to see the core of an Optima.  I'll use my RV battery for now.  Thanks again.

[w squared]

Have you looked at the Odyssey batteries? They offer a lot of the same benefits that the Optimas made thier name on, but don't have the same quality issues that the current crop of Optimas seem to be having. Apparently there are three labels (Northstar, Odyssey, and Sear DieHard Platinum) that offer the same AGM technology and performance. All of the information that I was able to gather indicated that these batteries will handle short high-load drain (starting), winching, and deep cycles without having any issues. They also seem to have much higher CCA ratings for a given size than the stock type batteries. They're not cheap, but I have yet to find feedback from someone that's not happy with theirs,

[FiEND]

they are the same and just as prone to failure.  we put batteries through hell.  plus (as in everything), vibration kills.  the main reason people are switching to the non optima brands is easier warranty through sears or cambodian tire.  and they are using the warranty.

one of my red tops i just removed is from 2002 so it has held up very well. the one i bought 3 years ago is in the shop getting an warranty evaluation.  i am not worried about sticking with optima but i could easily switch to one that's easier to warranty.